STATE COLLEGE, Pa.— The Maryland gymnastics team posted a season-high team score of 194.450 Saturday afternoon, but were ultimately edged, 196.550-194.450, by #13 Penn State. Freshman Abbie Epperson turned in a career day, tallying personal bests on both vault (9.850) and bars (9.825), while Junior Kathy Tang also cashed in a strong performance on vault (9.825), bars (9.800) and floor (9.750).
“[Abbie] did a great job tonight,” Head coach Brett Nelligan said of Epperson's career meet, “She continues to look confident and dominant out there.”
The Terps (1-3, 1-1 B1G) started the meet strong, recording season-high team scores on both bars (48.850) and vault (49.100).
“We spoke about starting strong and I think we did,” Nelligan said, “I thought our vault and bars were phenomenal.”
Senior Katy Dodds and freshman Abbie Epperson tied for second on vault with a 9.850 and senior Shannon Skochko added a strong 9.750 to the mix as well. On bars, the Tang sisters posted a pair of 9.800 scores and sophomore Sarah Faller added a 9.725.
The GymTerps had a nice team performance on floor (48.700) with seniors Shannon Skochko and Stephanie Giameo both posting a 9.775. The team finished on beam (47.900), with Stephanie Giameo posting a 9.850 in the anchor position.
Penn State's Briannah Tsang won the all-around title with a score of 39.500 and a 9.950 on beam as well.
Next up, the GymTerps visit conference opponent Iowa next Friday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. ET for the sixth-ever meeting between the two programs.
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